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Jessica Nolan, Ph.D.

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Excellence in Community-Based Learning

This award is given to a faculty member who has demonstrated excellence in community-based learning (CBL) pedagogy as demonstrated by meaningful integration with course or program content that incorporates integration of theory with practice, direct engagement with community members, and personal and critical academic reflection. The recipient has a thorough understanding and appreciation of community issues and prioritizes developing ongoing commitment to reciprocal, collaborative relationships with community partners. This award is a special recognition of the faculty member’s efforts to incorporate and advocate for CBL and to enhance The University of Scranton’s contribution to the common good.  The recipient of this year’s CBL award is Dr. Jessica Nolan.

Jessica is a Professor in the Department of Psychology and has been a member of the faculty since 2008.

For over 10 years, Dr. Nolan, has been an avid and active CBL faculty focused on providing opportunities for students to realize our Jesuit mission by providing transformational learning experiences in three courses PSYC 236, Industrial/Organizational Psychology; PSYC 239, Environmental and Conversation Psychology and PSYC 364: Psychology of Diversity. Each course is grounded in the five principles of Ignatian Pedagogy: Context (understanding student life and culture}, Experience (providing intellectual and affective learning opportunities), Reflection (of meaning for self and others}, Action (the external expression of learned content) and Evaluation (student growth). Jessica also strives to meet department program learning objectives related to "Ethical and social responsibility in a diverse world."

Dr. Nolan's course, Industrial/Organizational Psychology (PSYC 236) introduces students to theories, concepts, and research related to the psychology of work. Students put themselves into the role of a practicing psychologist. Most recently, Jess and students partnered with Allied Services Integrated Health System. Students learned first-hand what a long-term assisted care facility looks like and heard first-hand about staffing difficulties and how they affect quality of care, patient satisfaction, and turnover. Students produced a final report with recommendations on how to reduce burnout and turnover among nursing home staff which is a critical community need among direct care staff.

Dr. Nolan's course, Environmental and Conservation Psychology (PSYC 239) provides students with an introduction to conservation psychology which explores the reciprocal relationship between humans and nature. Students are asked to connect the content to their own lives. Students have partnered with The Greenhouse Project and the NEPA Green Fair providing hands-on service.

Dr. Nolan's course, Psychology of Diversity (PSYC 364) provides students with the opportunity to have in­ depth, difficult discussions about the history of diversity in the United States, identify formation, power and privilege, and the causes and consequences of prejudice and discrimination. Partners have included the NEPA Youth Shelter as well as the Catholic Social Services of the Diocese of Scranton.

Through these three unique courses creatively and well-thought-out reflection activities have challenged students to go beyond their comfort zones to look at the reality of those living in our community in an authentic, respectful way. These courses encourage the education of the whole person -cura personalis, and Jessica is skilled at leading these dialogues with students.

 

 

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